Our Mission
To
provide services and leadership, in partnership with families, schools
and communities, that improve the learning outcomes and well-being of
all children and youth.
Our Goals
• Increase learning growth for students
• Decrease the gap in achievement
• Increase annual graduation rates
• Increase gateways to post-secondary success
The Iowa legislature concluded its work on last Friday, April 29. While the reflection from many elected officials will be that K-12 education received increased revenue for the next fiscal year (and it is great to know that schools received some new funding), we are also keenly aware that funds for the AEA system were reduced an additional $3.75 million. Many of you participated in the effort to contact elected officials when the first proposal of reducing AEAs by an additional $5 million was introduced in late April, and for that I would like to say thank you. These contacts made a difference in reducing the budget cut. I want you to know that as a result of the further AEA funding reduction, we have no immediate plans to reduce staff at Heartland AEA—we just will not be in a position to hire at a rate that keeps pace with the growth we have in many of the schools in our service area.
Looking to the future, it is clear that we need to be proactive in our work to re-educate elected officials and the general public about the value AEAs bring in providing efficiency and equity to Iowa’s educational system, including required services for children in need of special education. While legislative advocacy is important, the most important advocacy is achieved by providing the highest quality service we can with the resources we have.
As always, thank you for the work you do on behalf of Heartland AEA.
- Paula
Work Teams
As you are aware, work on the redesigning the Agency’s professional learning continues, with implementation in some form happening this fall. Each of the eight work teams (team membership was shared earlier in The Connection, as well as at spring regional meetings) continue to identify key content in their respective areas and make initial decisions about what all Heartland AEA certified staff should know. As a reminder, those areas include:
- Problem Solving
- Adult Learning
- Behavior
- Instruction, Data & Assessment
- Early Childhood
- Child Find
- Technology
Draft of Work Team Content to Be Shared with PLC
When the work teams get to the point where they believe they have identified the critical content in their area, each team will vet a DRAFT of its content with the Professional Learning Committee (PLC), which is composed of jobalike facilitators, HEA representatives and administrators. The vetting process includes the work team lead sharing a short video that summarizes the key components of their content area and asking for feedback from PLC members around the following questions:
- How does the identified continuum of learning connect to the work you do for the Agency?
- What items in the identified continuum of learning are essential to the work you do for the Agency?
- What appears to be missing from the continuum of learning?
The work team lead will also share his/her team’s continuum of learning with the PLC committee.
Draft Content Also Shared With Staff
In order to give all Heartland AEA staff a sense of what each of the PD redesign work teams is working on, we will be highlighting each team’s video and continuum of learning. Keep in mind that the video and the continuum is the “first blush” of critical content that each team has identified. Based on feedback from the PLC group (and other vetting groups the team identifies), changes are made to enhance the quality of professional learning for Heartland AEA staff. Our first team to share is Adult Learning.
The Adult Learning Work Team has focused on content that will equip Heartland AEA staff from all work groups with the knowledge and skills to successfully coach, collaborate, consult, facilitate or present while recognizing the individuality of each situation as a learning opportunity. The Adult Learning team’s video provides an overview of each of the initial key components of the learning the team has focused on. The video references the team’s original proposed Key Components.
We hope you take a moment to listen to the overview and review the first draft of the key components of the Adult Learning work team. We hope you will get a sense of how the critical content this team has identified can be useful to you in the work you do for children, families and educators. Each team will continue to refine its work and updates will be communicated in future Connection articles.
The Agency is looking forward to trying a new format for this year’s All-Staff Meeting on Sept. 9, 2016.
We’re planning for an all-day meeting that features an afternoon of
presentations from YOU! We are excited about the possibilities that we
hope will come from staff members learning from and connecting with each
other.
Through your Regional Planning Council or Department
Planning Council, we hope you’ve heard a little bit about the format
we’re planning for these presentations. They will be in the spirit of a PechaKucha presentation,
during which speakers give quick presentations that include 20 images
shown for 20 seconds each for a total of 6 minutes and 40 seconds.
Topics can be almost anything that are inspiring within our work throughout the Agency, including but certainly not limited to:
- A successful project
- A pilot project that didn’t reach its target
- Team-building strategies,
- A story of collaboration,
- Technology integration that improved a process or project or
- An initiative that made a positive impact on kids, teachers or families
Here are some quick tips for a great presentation!
How to Apply
If you or a team of your co-workers are interested in presenting, complete this presentation application by May 13, 2016.
Our
All-Staff Planning Committee will review and select presentations, and
they will use the following question as one way to evaluate your
proposal: Does this Pecha Kucha reflect, educate, touch on or celebrate areas that we’ve emphasized as an organization?
- Core Values: Caring - Proactive - Collaborative
- Mission:
To provide services and leadership, in partnership with families,
schools and communities, that improve the learning outcomes and
well-being of all children and youth.
- Goals: Increase learning growth, Decrease gaps in achievement, Increase in annual graduation rate, Increase post-secondary gateways
- Wellness:
Heartland AEA’s Five Elements of Wellness help promote the total
well-being of agency staff: Career Wellness, Community Wellness,
Financial Wellness, Social Wellness, Physical Wellness
This
new approach to learning during our All-Staff meeting gives us a unique
opportunity to feel the pulse of the Agency in just a few hours, to
celebrate together, learn together and get re-connected. More than a
PowerPoint slideshow, Pecha Kuchas generate discussion and innovation,
so don’t be shy, show your work, make an impact!
Submit your presentation application by May 13, 2016!
If you have any questions, contact the Communications Department.
If you haven’t yet, please take 10 minutes between now and May 3 to complete the BrightBytes Technology Survey. We need 100 more staff to take the survey to beat last year’s record participation!
Your participation is essential in helping us form a more complete picture of technology use at Heartland AEA. As you know, this is one important piece of data that we use to help our agency choose the right technology for our work and the right professional development for our staff. Thank you for providing the Agency with this important information!
The May issue of the School Leader Update is now available from the Iowa Department of Education. Inside, read Director Ryan Wise’s take on how the state is faring with its fledgling Teacher Leadership and Compensation program, Legislative Liaison Shan Seivert makes a prediction and Attorney Nicole Proesch brings you important reminders as your school year begins to wind down.
The May 2016 issue of the Each and Every Child newsletter from the Iowa Department of Education is now available. In this issue, there is a smorgasbord of stories, from gardening to summer reading to sports. Also, our friends at ASK Resource Center have again compiled a comprehensive list of summer camps in Iowa that are focused on children with special needs, and former Teacher of the Year Jane Schmidt has written another blog post about the Iowa Core.
Des Moines Public Schools is hosting its first annual Summit on School Climate and Culture, Aug. 8-9, 2016 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. This event is designed to improve school climate and culture through professional development, skill building and application of the best practices and research. Well-known national experts including Erin Gruwell, Randall Lindsey, Judy Elliott, Tim Lewis and Wes Hall will lead a series of workshops, speeches and breakout sessions focusing on:
- Best Practices in Improving Student Behavior
- Multi-Tiered System of Supports
- Cultural Proficiency
- Social and Emotional Health
- Stakeholder Engagement
For more information about the event, including online registration, visit the Des Moines Schools’ website.
Walking the Talk: Reflective Leadership
This experience builds on the highly successful workshops offered at Learning Forward's national conference. The all-day workshop starts with reflective activities that promote deep self-reflection in the context of work. Fairfield, IA middle school principal, Laura Atwood, shares how she applied "Walking the Talk" to transform her staff's culture and learning climate. She is joined by two district colleagues and veteran AIW coaches: national "Walking the Talk" presenter, Kevin Hosbond, and district curriculum director, Marci Dunlap, who will share how Laura's leadership translated into achievement gains for Fairfield middle schoolers. No prior AIW experience required. Come alone or in teams--all change agents welcome.
June 20, 2016
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center, 5291 Stoney Creek Ct, Johnston
Registration
What is AIW? A Practical Preview of AIW Reform
A Practical Preview of AIW Reform is for school leaders exploring AIW reform who would benefit from interactive activities that show why school leaders are so excited about AIW. This all-day experience is designed to answer key questions typical of school and district educators. It will be facilitated by four AIW Coaches with different perspectives: teacher, principal, curriculum director and the Center for AIW director and author. No prior AIW experience required. Come alone or in teams--all change agents welcome.
June 21, 2016
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center, 5291 Stoney Creek Ct, Johnston
Registration
Below is a refresher for course pre-approval/reclassification.
What is reclassification?
Certified union staff members may advance lanes on the salary schedule with additional education (license renewal, CEUs and graduate credits). For example with approved credits a staff member can move from the M.A. lane to the M.A.+15 lane.
How do I advance?
Pre-Approval: The Course Pre-approval Form is available for download from the Intranet under the Human Resources section. This form should be filled out prior to taking a class for any type of credit. You should keep these forms when approved by your supervisor and turn them into Human Resources with your transcripts only when you are ready to reclassify. This form will serve for reclassification purposes, and you will not need to fill out a separate form when all courses are completed. Note: this form must be opened and completed with Adobe Reader and not Mac Preview.
More information can be found on the Intranet > Human Resources > Salary Advancement Information.
Graduate Credits: Only those graduate hours earned after the date of granting of the respective degree shall be counted toward placement on the next classification.
License Renewal Credits: The employer shall recognize state approved staff development credits for advancement on the salary schedule. Staff development credit shall be limited to seven hours on each of the following lanes: B.A.+15, M.A.+15, M.A.+30, and M.A.+45. The employees shall be responsible for their registration fees if the courses are to be applied toward salary advancement.
Continuing Education Units (CEU) Credits: Fifteen Heartland (CEUs) earned after July 1, 2010 will equal one graduate credit toward advancement.
TQ Classes: Are allowed to be used for movement on the salary schedule. Employees shall be off contract and responsible for their registration fees. If the employee receives TQ funds for a course, that class is still eligible for reclassification.
Please note:
- Courses may not be taken during the working day (for salary advancement) if the employee is paid during that time. An exchange day, OPL or unpaid leave would be appropriate options to avoid such a conflict. All Heartland AEA classes must be taken after the employee’s start date with Heartland AEA to be eligible for lane change.
- If you are taking a course as a Heartland AEA employee and want to use it towards advancement on the salary scale, you should select either the "License Renewal Credit" Option or the "Drake Graduate Credit" Option depending on the type of credit you wish to receive.
What is the deadline?
Requests for reclassification under the schedule of this agreement shall be accepted until October 1 of the contract year in force and effect for graduate credit completed prior to September 1 of the contract year in force and effect. Proof of completion of work taken shall be by official transcript only and must be received by Human Resources on or before October 15 of the contract year in force and effect. Salary increases as a result of such reclassification shall be retroactive to the first day of the employee’s contract of the contract year in force and effect. Salary schedule placement disputes must be brought to the Executive Director of Human Resources by October 1 of the contract year in which the dispute arises before grievance procedures may be initiated. Action regarding adjustment on the salary schedule shall be limited to the current contract year.
Whom do I contract with questions?
Your supervisor or Samantha Perry or Tony Chiaramonte in Human Resources.
Note: The reference for this administrative procedure is Article 18 of the Comprehensive Agreement between the Heartland Education Association and Heartland Area Education Agency.
Iowa’s nine AEAs and AEA PD Online have been collaborating to move our individual professional development/licensure programs to a statewide system, beginning Jan. 1, 2017. Having one system will provide participants with a much larger offering of professional learning activities through a statewide catalog. It also creates greater equity and consistency in programming and resources to help support quality professional development/licensure programming.
As part of the program review and redesign, each AEA will be adjusting to the same participant fee structure. Changes for those taking Heartland AEA courses will be effective Jan 1, 2017.
In the coming months, there will be ongoing communication through The Connection and Administrator Connection about these changes. If you have any immediate questions, contact Brandie Gean, Licensure/Conference Center Manager, at ext. 14459.
A big "thank you" to the over 400 people who have upgraded their computer to OS 10.11! Getting everyone to the current OS helps improve our network security and makes it easier for the Internal Technology Department to provide training and support. If at all possible, we ask that you complete this upgrade before the end of the school year, as we know what a hectic time that can be.
Nearly 200 people have also upgraded their iPad to version 9.3.1, and we hope that everyone can complete that upgrade, as well, before the end of May. Over the summer, we will be changing how we push out iPad apps, and if you are not running the current iOS by the end of June, we will not be able to send you apps until you upgrade.
Instructions about the processes for upgrading your Mac and your iPad can be found in earlier versions of The Connection. If you have any questions, contact Mike Permann (ext. 14767), Marquis Jones (ext. 14618), Judy Cleveland (ext. 14538), Mande Gamble (ext. 14676) or the tech support lead in your office.
